Can't Change DESKTOP deisplay!!!Help!

[jam757]

I have a new Gateway Netbook with Windows 7. I can't seem to alter the desktop display no matter what i do. I right click on photos and select "set as wallpaper" and it does nothing. Any ideas?

 

[Jacee]

Does this tutorial help? http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/281-desktop-background-change.html

 

[jam757]

There is no option "personalize" when i right click on the desktop. This didn't help.

 

[Jacee]

How old is your computer?
What have you done so far on it?
Is Windows 'activated'?

Please tell us as much as you can, so we can help troubleshoot the problem.

 

[Subsonic]

You say a "new" netbook? It isn't by chance Windows 7 Starter edition is it? I don't think you can change the background on Starter!

 

[TheSchaft]

You say a "new" netbook? It isn't by chance Windows 7 Starter edition is it? I don't think you can change the background on Starter!

Good catch. I believe you are correct about not being able to change the background in Starter.

 

[jam757]

It is a brand new Gateway with Windows 7 starter edition. Why is that you cannot change that. Seems rediculous to me. otherwise i have to say this is a great little netbook...

 

[zigzag3143]

There is no option "personalize" when i right click on the desktop. This didn't help.

where did yo get the Dvd from? did you download it?

 

[Roddy]

FROM PAUL THURROTT'S EXCELLENT WINDOWS SUPERSITE - a possible HP workaround - maybe look at Gateway as well???


HP's End-Run Around the Windows 7 Starter Limitations

As you must know by now, Microsoft has severely limited the ways in which you can customized its lowest-end Windows 7 version, Windows Starter Edition. (See Windows 7 Starter? That's How They Get You for more information.) The worst of these limitations, of course, is that users cannot customize the desktop wallpaper. Instead, they're stuck with what Microsoft provides: A single background image.
Today, Rafael posts about an HP netbook that appears to get around this limitation. How they do it is interesting. Lame. But interesting.

Nicholas R., initially emailing Paul, noticed HP was somehow bypassing this restriction according to a bulleted claim on their Mini 110 netbook product page:

The unique ability to change the wallpaper in Windows 7 Starter: a specialized theme includes a custom screen saver and 15 wallpapers designed by Boontje.
​

How is this possible?
Upon clicking the Customize and Buy link on HP’s website, and clicking through the various customizable components, you’ll discover the included software bundle consisting of some simple applications and a copy of Stardock MyColors, designed for Windows 7. For those unaware, MyColors is simply a stripped down WindowBlinds application targeting the download-and-apply-my-theme users that don’t need the power (or cost) of WindowBlinds. The internals, however, are the same. As this software replaces the Microsoft Windows theming subsystem with its own, it completely bypasses any and all license restrictions imposed by Microsoft.
​

So is it legal? You have to think HP, a major league Microsoft partner, got the OK from the software giant.
I mean. They must have. Right?

_______________

Rgds
Rod

 

[mnmus]

Change Desktop Background in Windows 7 Starter Edition

While M$ has disabled changing the desktop background in Windows 7 Starter edition, changing it is easy-peasy. The Thurrott site notes that HP includes Stardock's My colors with some netbooks (notably, the HP Mini 110 "Studio Tord Boontje" edition), but you don't need to own an HP Mini 110 "Studio Tord Boontje" or even ANY HP to have a legitimate FREE copy of one My Colors Theme which will then allow you to change the desktop background to your heart's content.

See: Change Desktop Background in Windows 7 Starter Edition. It's easy-peasy and free. Just a few clicks to download and install, then a slight tweak after you install the free My Colors theme of your choice. Of course, Stardock hopes you'll be impressed enough with their product that you'll buy another theme or even Window Blinds itself, and that's fine, since Stardock sells some good product.